Cozy Fall Activities to Enjoy With Little Kids
Hello friends! The autumn season is drawing near and I can’t help but feel joy as it wraps us in its warm, golden embrace. The crisp air, vibrant colors, and cooler temperatures make these upcoming fall days the perfect time to spend quality time with your little ones as well as your entire family. What a blessing it is to create lasting memories filled with love and laughter with our loved ones. I am all about nurturing those tender moments, whenever they may appear, but I also wanted to come up with a few fun, fall activities to help those moments come to life. So, grab a pumpkin spice latte or a mug of hot cocoa, and let’s dive into the best fall activities to share with your little pumpkins. These classic fall activities are the perfect way to soak up the fall season and make every family member feel wrapped in warmth even on those chilly fall nights!
1. Explore your Local Pumpkin Patches & Corn Mazes
Is there a better way to celebrate harvest time than a trip to the pumpkin patch? Pumpkin patches are a great place for younger children to toddle through rows of gourds, searching for the perfect pumpkin to carve or paint. Many local farms also have a corn maze—which is a great opportunity for the whole family to giggle as you navigate unexpected twists and turns. Check with your local farmers for pumpkin patches that offer hayrides, live music, or even a chance to roast marshmallows by a bonfire. Being surrounded by pumpkins can really fill your heart with the magic of the fall season.
Pro tip: Bring a thermos of apple cider to sip while the kids play—it’s a perfect way to keep everyone cozy in the chilly air!
2. Go Apple Picking at Your Local Orchard
Apple picking at a local apple orchard is one of my favorite fall activities. There’s something so nurturing about watching your little ones reach for different types of apples, their cheeks rosy from the cooler weather. It’s a great chance to teach them about local farmers and the joy of picking their own apples. Afterward, head home to bake a warm apple pie or whip up some peanut butter and apple slices for a snack. The local orchard is a perfect place to spend a fall day, soaking in the vibrant colors as the leaves change colors.
Pro tip: Pack a picnic lunch and hot cocoa to make it a full day of outdoor adventures. Don’t forget your camera to snag some precious family photos. Pro tip: Dress everyone in cozy sweaters for those vibrant colors to pop in your photos!
3. Enjoy Nature with a Family Hike or Nature Walk
The fall foliage is calling, and a family hike or nature walk is a great way to answer. Head to a local park or nature trails for a fun activity that lets your kids marvel at different colors in the trees and collect natural items like pine cones or fallen leaves. Try a nature scavenger hunt to make it extra special. You could also search for a pile of leaves to jump in or gather leaves for leaf rubbings back at home. These inexpensive, but invigorating outdoor activities are a perfect opportunity to breathe in the crisp air and spend quality time with the whole family.
Pro tip: End your nature walk with a scenic drive to soak in more of the fall foliage—it’s a fun way to wind down with your littles.
4. Get Cozy with Fall Crafts
When the cooler weather keeps you indoors, fall crafts are a great idea ! Set up in the living room with natural materials like those pine cones or leaves you collected. Leaf rubbings are a fun activity for younger children or grab some paper, tissue paper and glue to make fall tree collages that look like stained glass! Feeling hungry? Bake a pumpkin pie or apple pie together, letting little hands help mix the filling and roll the tough. These fun things are a great way to nurture creativity, engage the senses, and make your home feel like the coziest place to be this autumn season.
Pro tip: Pair your crafting with a cozy fall movie night—don’t forget the hot cocoa and snacks!
5. Visit Fall Festivals & Farmer’s Markets
Fall festivals are the heartbeat of the time of year, and they’re a great place for the entire family to soak up live music, local crafts, and so much fun. Many local farmers set up at the farmer’s market with fresh apple cider and pumpkins galore. Some festivals even have haunted houses (check for kid-friendly ones!) It’s a fun fall activity that’s a perfect way to support your community and make lasting memories.
6. Plan a Cozy Movie Night or Road Trip
Sometimes, the best fall activities happen right at home. Host a cozy movie night in the living room with pumpkin themed treats and apple cider or hot cocoa. Pick movies that feel festive or old fall favorites for the whole family to enjoy. If you’re craving adventure this season, take a road trip and camp in a cozy cabin or tent! Split the difference and go for a scenic drive through the countryside. The vibrant colors of the leaves changing colors make it a great time to pack snacks and explore.
Pro tip: Roast marshmallows at your campsite or in your own backyard one night for an extra touch of fall magic.
Your Kid and Budget Friendly Fall Bucket List Awaits!
This time of year is a great opportunity to slow down and savor the fall season with your entire family. Whether you’re wandering through pumpkin patches, sipping apple cider at a local orchard, or crafting leaf rubbings in your living room, these fun fall activities are some of the best ways to create lasting memories with your family this season. So, pull on those cozy sweaters, plan your fall bucket list, and make this autumn season one to cherish.
What’s your favorite thing to do with your little ones in the fall days? Let me know your favorite fall activities in the comments—I’d love to hear how you’re making quality time with your family!
Want more fall craft ideas and autumn activities for little ones? Find those HERE.
Happy Fall!
Samm
